RTX 3060 vs RTX 3070
Both carry the same family name, but the RTX 3060 and the RTX 3070 don’t carry the same spec sheet. Look at the scorecard and the RTX 3070 stands out, ahead in 1 of 3 areas. The gpu & performance numbers explain a lot of that. The RTX 3060 launched $170 lower than the RTX 3070, so every advantage on the pricier side has to earn its keep.
At a glance
- GPU & Performance RTX 3070 wins
- Memory Trade-off
- Power & Thermals RTX 3060 wins
- Price RTX 3060 wins
- GPU & Performance2.0
- Memory3.8
- Power & Thermals8.0
- GPU & Performance5.6
- Memory3.1
- Power & Thermals3.4
Spec scores (0 to 10) are calculated from manufacturer specs against other models in the same class. See how the formula works. They are not reviews or user ratings.
Key Differences
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The RTX 3070 has 60% more theoretical FP32 compute
The RTX 3070 doesn’t just edge this one; 20.3 TFLOPS against 12.7 TFLOPS is a lead you’ll feel. The RTX 3070 has more theoretical compute, which often, but not always, translates into higher frame rates.
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The RTX 3060 has 4 GB more VRAM
Big gap, real consequences. The RTX 3060’s 12 GB versus the RTX 3070’s 8 GB changes how the two compare in daily use. More VRAM lets the card hold higher-resolution textures and bigger scenes without stutter.
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The RTX 3070 has 64% more shader units
The RTX 3060 is clearly behind on shader units (3,584 against 5,888), and that’s one of its biggest weak spots in this matchup. The RTX 3070’s extra shaders give it more raw muscle, although comparisons across different architectures aren’t one-to-one.
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The RTX 3060 has 50 W lower board power
On this line of the spec sheet, the RTX 3060 is in a different league: 170 W, next to 220 W for the RTX 3070. Lower board power means less heat, quieter cooling and a smaller impact on your electricity bill.
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The RTX 3070 has 24% more memory bandwidth
For memory bandwidth, the RTX 3070 leads by a wide margin: 448 GB/s versus 360 GB/s. Memory bandwidth decides how quickly the GPU can feed itself with data, which matters most at 1440p and 4K.
Design & Size
Size & Connectivity
| Spec | RTX 3060 | RTX 3070 |
|---|---|---|
| Reference card length | N/A (not specified) | 9.53 in |
| Slot width | N/A (not specified) | 2 slots |
| Display outputs | N/A (not specified) | 3x DisplayPort 1.4a, 1x HDMI 2.1 |
GPU & Performance
RTX 3070 leads
Few areas are as clear-cut as this one: the RTX 3070 leads the gpu & performance section with room to spare. The RTX 3070 pulls ahead with 60% more theoretical FP32 compute. Architectures use their compute differently, so treat the gap as a guide and look at game benchmarks for the details. The RTX 3060 steps ahead thanks to a 3% higher boost clock. Net result: the RTX 3070 leads this part of the comparison.
FP32 compute
RTX 3060: 12.7 TFLOPS RTX 3070: 20.3 TFLOPS FP32 compute is a theoretical peak that combines shader count and clock speed, a quick way to size up raw power.
Shader units
RTX 3060: 3,584 RTX 3070: 5,888 Treat shader count as a strong hint about performance tier, then check benchmarks for the games you actually play.
Memory
Trade-off
The RTX 3060 leans on 4 GB more VRAM in this section, while the RTX 3070 leans on 24% more memory bandwidth. Weigh both advantages honestly; the one you’d miss more is your answer on memory.
VRAM
RTX 3060: 12 GB RTX 3070: 8 GB Newer games tend to ask for more video memory, so the RTX 3060’s extra VRAM helps the card age better.
Memory bandwidth
RTX 3060: 360 GB/s RTX 3070: 448 GB/s Bandwidth needs vary by architecture, so compare it alongside VRAM and cache rather than on its own.
Features
For features, the spec sheet lists components and formats rather than figures we can rank. The table shows what the RTX 3060 and the RTX 3070 each bring.
Power & Thermals
RTX 3060 leads
The RTX 3070 has a tough time in the power & thermals section, where the RTX 3060 pulls well ahead. The RTX 3060 delivers 50 W lower board power. The RTX 3060 draws less power, which makes it easier to cool in compact cases. Bottom line for power & thermals: the RTX 3060 has the edge.
Total board power
RTX 3060: 170 W RTX 3070: 220 W Higher board power often comes with higher performance, so the RTX 3070’s appetite may be part of the price of its speed.
Recommended PSU
RTX 3060: 550 W RTX 3070: 650 W With the RTX 3060, you’re more likely to keep your existing power supply, which can save real money.
Full Specifications
GPU & Performance
| Spec | RTX 3060 | RTX 3070 |
|---|---|---|
| Architecture | Ampere | Ampere |
| GPU die | GA106 | GA104 |
| Process | Samsung 8N | Samsung 8N |
| Shader units | 3,584 | 5,888 (winner) Most shader units |
| Ray tracing units | 28 Fewest ray tracing units | 46 (winner) |
| Base clock | 1,320 MHz Lowest base clock | 1,500 MHz (winner) |
| Boost clock | 1,777 MHz (winner) | 1,725 MHz |
| FP32 computeTheoretical peak; AMD counts dual-issue, so compare within a brand only | 12.7 TFLOPS | 20.3 TFLOPS (winner) |
Memory
| Spec | RTX 3060 | RTX 3070 |
|---|---|---|
| VRAM | 12 GB (winner) | 8 GB |
| Memory type | GDDR6 | GDDR6 |
| Memory bus | 192-bit | 256-bit (winner) |
| Memory bandwidth | 360 GB/s | 448 GB/s (winner) |
Features
| Spec | RTX 3060 | RTX 3070 |
|---|---|---|
| Upscaling | DLSS Super Resolution | DLSS Super Resolution |
| Frame generation | No DLSS Frame Generation | No DLSS Frame Generation |
| PCIe interface | PCIe 4.0 x16 | PCIe 4.0 x16 |
Power & Thermals
| Spec | RTX 3060 | RTX 3070 |
|---|---|---|
| Total board power | 170 W (winner) | 220 W |
| Recommended PSU | 550 W (winner) | 650 W |
| Power connector | N/A (not specified) | 1x 12-pin |
Size & Connectivity
| Spec | RTX 3060 | RTX 3070 |
|---|---|---|
| Reference card length | N/A (not specified) | 9.53 in |
| Slot width | N/A (not specified) | 2 slots |
| Display outputs | N/A (not specified) | 3x DisplayPort 1.4a, 1x HDMI 2.1 |
Price
| Spec | RTX 3060 | RTX 3070 |
|---|---|---|
| Launch price (MSRP) | $329 (winner) Lowest price in class | $499 |
“N/A” means the manufacturer does not specify the value or we could not confirm it. Figures marked “manufacturer rating” are the maker’s own claims, not our measurements.
Price & Value
The RTX 3060 undercut the RTX 3070 by $170 at launch, which works out to 52%. Step up by $170 to the RTX 3070 and you gain 60% more theoretical FP32 compute and 64% more shader units.
Prices shown are US launch prices as of February 2021. Retail prices change often, so it’s worth checking current offers.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the RTX 3060 if…
- you want more video memory for the years ahead (12 GB vs 8 GB)
- you want lower power draw and less heat (170 W vs 220 W board power)
- you’re building on a modest power supply (550 W vs 650 W)
- you care about peak clock speed (1,777 MHz vs 1,725 MHz boost)
- you’d rather keep $170 in your pocket
Choose the RTX 3070 if…
- you run compute-heavy work alongside gaming (20.3 TFLOPS vs 12.7 TFLOPS FP32)
- you want more raw GPU hardware (5,888 vs 3,584 shader units)
- you want more memory bandwidth (448 GB/s vs 360 GB/s)
- you want more dedicated ray tracing hardware (46 vs 28)
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I buy the RTX 3060 or the RTX 3070?
For most buyers, the RTX 3060 makes more sense: it launched $170 below the RTX 3070.
Does the RTX 3060 perform better than the RTX 3070?
On paper, the RTX 3070 is the stronger performer, with 60% more theoretical FP32 compute and 64% more shader units.
Is the RTX 3060 cheaper than the RTX 3070?
At launch, the RTX 3060 undercut the RTX 3070 by $170. These figures are as of February 2021, and street prices can change.
Executive Summary
In-house decisions like the RTX 3060 versus the RTX 3070 are where I think it’s easiest to overspend or underspend. If I had to name one reason, it’s that the RTX 3060 brings 4 GB more VRAM. Beyond that, 50 W lower board power gives the RTX 3060 another edge. On the other side, the RTX 3070 brings 60% more theoretical FP32 compute, and I wouldn’t dismiss that.
In my head, the RTX 3060 is the power & thermals pick and the RTX 3070 is the gpu & performance pick.
My pick: honestly, the RTX 3060; the RTX 3070 is good, just not $170 better.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.